It's no secret: Oahu is home to some of the world's best surfing spots. Every winter, professional surfers from across the globe flock to Oahu's North Shore to shred some gnarly waves in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Basically the Super Bowl of surfing, the Triple Crown takes place in November and December when massive swells roll in from the stormy northern Pacific Ocean.

But you don't have to be a pro to hang ten in Oahu. There are plenty of surfing schools that will take you from a grom (local slang for a surfing newbie) to a Big Kahuna in the course of a day. Best of all: No one will laugh if you wipe out (and you will). Learning to surf can be fun for the whole family; most surf schools will teach anyone who's willing to learn, no matter their age or skill level. The best surfing beaches tend to be on the North Shore. Waikiki waves are smaller but more regular, so they're perfect for beginners. Waimea Bay's huge winter waves, on the other hand, are ideal for experienced surfers.

Uncle Bryan's Sunset Suratt Surf Academy and North Shore Surf Girls receive high praise from recent travelers for their friendly Aloha spirit and effective coaching. Two-hour group surfing lessons cost roughly between $55 and $80 per student, while private lessons run around $140 per student. Or, if you're already a surfing legend, you can rent a board from Uncle Bryan for a day for about $30.